Australia will help Punjab take its farm produce to world markets: Harinder Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu said marketing Punjab crops globally could prove to be a game changer for local farmers.

Australian high commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu being welcomed by Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu before a press conference in Amritsar on Sunday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

Australian high commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu on Sunday assured her country’s assistance in taking Punjab’s farm produce to world markets.

Harinder was speaking during a joint press conference after a meeting with Punjab local bodies and tourism minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, on the second day of her visit to the state.

The Punjab minister said marketing Punjab crops globally could prove to be a game changer for local farmers. Applauding the Australian expertise in this field, Sidhu said: “Australia has great strength and technical prowess to market crops at global level. I have requested the Australian high commissioner for assistance and she has assured all help.”

The high commissioner invited a Punjab delegation to visit Australia to see how crops are marketed at world level.

“We look forward to explore the areas of cooperation in agriculture, sports and tourism,” she said. “Yes, marketing of crops at global level is a great initiative. We in Australia not only look for best marketing strategies buy also train farmers in use of latest technologies. We look forward to give ample support to Punjab.”

Sidhu said he will discuss the issue with Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh and soon a delegation will be sent to Australia. The minister said he will also tie up with Tourism Australia to develop the sector.

‘A museum of tears, tragedy and hope’

Australian high commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu on Sunday refreshed memories of the India-Pakistan Partition, which had affected her family too, during her visit to the Partition Museum at the Town Hall building.

Harinder visited all galleries and also watched her father’s interview on an LED screen, which is part of the exhibits.

“My father, Ajaib Singh Sidhu, was born in Dharamkot village, which is not far from the border,” she said. “He witnessed the turbulent period of 1947. He also saw violence and displacement of people on both sides.”

Later, she left a note on the Tree of Hope: “The Partition was a terrible tragedy. But the test of people and of nations is how we carve out a future together. My wishes for a future of peace, understanding and fellowship between India and Pakistan, for the benefit of all.”

The high commissioner said the museum is a “wonderful museum of tears, tragedy and hope”.

“I’m so happy to be connected with your story, in a small way, through my father’s story,” she said, after interacting with some partition survivors in the museum’s courtyard.